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Ilfracombe Tunnel Beaches

Ilfracombe's fascinating tunnel beaches were established as far back as 1823, and are an integral part of seaside history and development on the North Devon Coast. Ilfracombe was the first North Devon coastal local to develop as a seaside resort, and the hand carved tunnels, handcarved by skilled Welsh miners in the 1820s, enabled segregated access to the beaches and tidel pools were created. Before the tunnel beaches were carved the ladies would frequent Wildersmouth Beach and the 'gentlemen' and their nude bathing via a boat trip went to Crewkhorne Beach.

There's a small fee (less than £2 per person) to enter the tunnel beach complex at Ilfracombe, but it's well worth it for what there is to see and do. The old Greek inspired Bath House, built in 1836, still remains intact in all it's splendid glory, as does the original wood fuelled pump house which served to feed sea water to the Bath House for cold and hot sea water baths. Perfect, in the days when bathing was still viewed as something you do for health only, rather than pure leisure pleasure.

The story of the Ilfracombe Tunnel Beaches is the story of Ilfracombes growth from a small fishing village, to a popular Victorian seaside resort. Local entrepreneurs developed both the tunnels and pools, and development and modernisation has continued upto the present. What you've got on the contemporary Ilfracombe tunnel beaches complex is a variety of facilties including historical information boards everywhere, with photographs of North Devon holidaymakers of old, a superb tidal sea water swimming pool popular with the kids, and access to various beaches which are more like coves (for the endless golden sands you need to head off to Woolacombe and Croyde!). Also on the complex is a Flip Flop Shop, the Cafe Blue bar, a Picnic area, sun beds and deck chairs for hire, numerous rock pools perfect for snorkelling, table tennis and a kids play area. Ilfracombe Tunnel Beaches is also totally accessible to wheelchairs. Superb North Devon coast family holiday fun all round!

Ilfracombe Tunnel Beaches, Bath Place, Ilfracombe, North Devon. Tel: 01271 879882. The complex is open from the Easter holidays, from 10am-5pm, in May and June from 10am-6pm, in July and August from 9am - 7pm, in September from 10am-6pm, and in October from 10am-5pm. Please note, not dogs are allowed on the beaches from 1st May-31st October. Check the Ilfracombe Tunnel Beaches weblink for more details.

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South West Coast Path, North Devon

Fortunately for North Devon Coast walking fans, the fabulous South West Coast Path takes in most of the spectacular North Devon coast on it's route around the South West. The South West Coast Path actually starts in Somerset at Minehead and weaves across the top of North Devon, around Cornwall, then along the South Devon and Dorset coasts to Poole Harbour. It's a total of 630 miles, making it most definitely the longest marked walkway in Britain.

Check out the informative South West Coast Path official website to the right. Walking the North Devon coast stretch is sublime pleasure, and an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of one of the most dramatic and exquisite coastlines in the UK. No joke, even if you're based in holiday hotspot Ilfracombe, you can easily hop onto the South West Coast Path and before you know it the views out to sea, and down onto rugged cliffs is inspiring. This stretch of Britain's coastline is a bit of a well kept secret.

You'll hit some superb stopping off points as well on the North Devon Coast. There's Ilfracombe of course with it's many attractions, but there's also small coastal villages spots like picture postcard unbelievable Combe Martin and the Lynton section of the walk. Endless golden sandy beaches greet you at Woolacombe and Croyd. Fantastic.

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Ilfracombe Golf

Devon golf fans listen up. Ilfracombe and the North Devon Coast are excellently served for golf courses. Both Ilfracombe golf club and Woolacombe golf course have spectacular views of the coast. Ilfracombe Golf Course is a good challenging 18 hole course, with a handicap preferred and a par of 68.

Ilfracombe golf club is well equipped with bar and catering facilities, and beautiful views. Green Fee deals for golf fans are available here too! Ilfracombe Golf Club has it's own website for more information, including up-to-date golf fees and more detailed information on facilities. Take a look at their link to the right!

Ilfracombe Golf Course & Golf Club, Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, North Devon EX34 9RT. Tel: 01271 862176

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Ilfracombe Boat Trips, Fishing & Diving

Ilfracombe is actually a top charter vessel North Devon hotspot for fishing. It's pretty tidal though, so certain times for sea fishing are more favourable. Lundy Island offers excellent for pollack fishing, whilst head to Baggy Point, 8 miles to the south for autumn tope. A number of fishing competitions are held in Ilfracombe every year, including one off Ilfracombe Pier.

Fancy a bit of adventure on the water. Try out a power boat trip with Ilfracombe Power Boat & Thudercat Racing, Ilfracombe EX34 9BX. Tel:

Check out Clovelly Charters' weblink to the right for some good fishing charters around Lundy Island. They do diving and swimming with Seals trips as well, and bird watching trips as tried by Bill Oddie!

For entertainment charter trips from Ilfracombe Harbour check out Waverley Charters and Pleasure Steamers (tel: 0845 130 4647). You can book online for school trips, group parties and wot not through their website to the right. Or if you're not bothered with pre-booking just take a stroll around Ilfracombe Harbour and you'll see many a boat trip on offer to tap into, either to Lundy or up and down the dramatic North Devon coast. Ilfracombe Tourist Information centre will also be able to advise on boat trips!

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